Stays optimistic about returning to the Gulf race despite financial setbacks.

      Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has stated that Formula 1 is still optimistic about the possibility of rescheduling the canceled Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, despite increasing logistical and financial challenges. "We are monitoring the calendar and are quite hopeful that there may be an opportunity to reschedule one or both of these races later in the year," he remarked. "At this point, we lack definitive information. Clearly, this won’t occur until the situation in the Middle East stabilizes. Nonetheless, if it does come to fruition, it could lead to a very busy conclusion to the season."

      His remarks come amid rising pressure—especially from Saudi Arabia—to find opportunities later in the calendar. This echoes recent statements by Dutch analyst Robert Doornbos, who suggested that Jeddah might return in December. However, Permane acknowledges that the financial consequences of the cancellations are already being felt by teams throughout the grid. "The cancellation of the two Grand Prix races significantly affects the teams' budgets," he noted. "On one hand, if these races do not occur, teams will save money since there will be no need to send staff anywhere. There will be no costs for flights, hotels, or cargo transportation. Yet, the overall financial situation will still end up in a deficit, which is unfortunate."

      Indeed, a report from Auto Motor und Sport indicates that losing Bahrain and Saudi Arabia—among the highest-paying events—could result in a nearly 100 million euro decrease in Formula 1's revenue this year. With about half of that amount allocated to teams, the financial blow is anticipated to be in the millions for each team. Additionally, escalating fuel costs associated with the Middle East conflict are adding more pressure. "We haven't seen exact figures yet, but as the season progresses, teams' expenses will inevitably rise due to increasing fuel prices," Permane explained. "However, everyone’s fuel costs have already gone up, and aircraft expenses will soon follow suit. All of this will inevitably affect F1 teams, as these costs are incorporated into the budget cap."